Fiji Times Online

Fiji Time: 7:52 PM on Thursday 9 September

/ Front page / Sport

Dirty tactics brings shambolic end

By JOSEFA MAKABA
Monday, May 25, 2009

THE much anticipated fight between Joe Naleca and Tevita Vakalalabure ended in shambles.

The fight was stopped abruptly after supporters of the two fighters entered the ring.

Police and Fiji Boxing Commission officials had to rush in and control the situation before it worsened.

Problems in this fight started when Vakalalabure punched Naleca after referee Vereniki Raiwalui called for a break in the first round.

In the second round, Vakalalabure again failed to heed Raiwalui's call twice and was penalised by having a point deducted.

In the third round Vakalalabure again was warned by referee for punching when break was called -- he had punched Naleca twice at the back of the head.

Midway through the round, Naleca slipped to the canvas during a confrontation in the centre of the ring and while still on his knees Vakalalabure unleashed a series of shots to Naleca's head.

Seeing that Raiwalui wasn't able to control Vakalalabure Naleca's trainer and uncle Pauliasi Ratu jumped into the ring to help his boy and confront Vakalalabure.

At the same time Vakalalabure's corner man Paula Raqeukai jumped in to try and contain his fighter as some of Naleca's fans started moving towards the ring.

Police were quick to jump in and controlled the situation.

Referee Raiwalui then made his decision and called a no contest.

FBC director Isimeli Cerelala said after the fight a decision would be made after a council meeting this week. Cerelala said they viewed the matter very seriously and a strong decision should be expected as they wanted to put a stop to this kind of problem from happening again.

"The decision by the referee is final but the council will meet to look at both sides of the story before a final decision is made," Cerelala said.

Ratu said referee Raiwalui should be blamed for what happened because he didn't punish Vakalalabure for deliberately and continuously failing to following his commands.

"I jumped in to try and save Naleca as Vakalalabure continued to punch him while he was on canvas and Raiwalui not doing enough to stop him," Ratu said.

Naleca said after the fight he was ready to face Vakalalabure again.

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